ionic bond
the attraction between oppositely charged ions
Ionic bond refers to the type of chemical bond that happens between ions with opposite charges. When two atoms interact, one atom gains electrons while the other loses electrons. The atom that gains electrons becomes negatively charged (anion), while the atom that loses electrons becomes positively charged (cation).
In an ionic bond, these oppositely charged ions attract each other and form a strong electrostatic force that holds them together. Ionic bonds are typically formed between metals and non-metals.
For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium loses an electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+), while chlorine gains an electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). The electrostatic force that results from the attraction of these opposite charges holds the ions together to form the compound NaCl.
Ionic bonds are usually strong, but they are also easily broken in the presence of water or other polar solvents. They have high melting and boiling points due to the strength of the electrostatic force between the ions. Ionic compounds tend to form crystals and are usually solids at room temperature.
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